FINCHforum

lovezebs wrote: byrdmane


I always have things ready on the table, before catching the bird that I want.
-small nail clippers (human type)
-stop bleed powder (or plain flour, corn starch) just in case, in a small dish
-cotton balls, kleenex, etc.
-a tiny container of olive oil

I catch my birds with my right had (I'm right handed) then quickly transfer to my left hand.

I grab a hold of a foot between thumb and forefinger, separate the toes, and snip the tip off the desired nail. If it needs more, I'll snip more (always on the side of caution, as in better too little than too much).

If by chance I get a small bleed, I dip that toe into the powder, then press the tip with a cotton ball or kleenex until the bleeding stops.

When done, I take a dab of olive oil, and give their feet a little massage, all over the foot and between the toes and around the nails.

Job completed, I place bird back in flight.

Do birds ever stop squirming during this process?
Some do and some don't. I have a few that play dead in my hand, and others that bite or attempt to chew on my finger.

Good luck